A generous donation from former Liverpool FC striker Robbie Fowler has kicked off a test-run of a 'community kitchen' in West Derby, which promises everyone the right to a hot meal.
The Scouse Kitchen is the brainchild of West Derby MP Ian Byrne, formed as part of his Right To Food campaign which aims to make access to food a human right, and "end the scandal of hunger and foodbanks once and for all".
He said: “The Scouse Kitchen pilot we are running this week is a much-needed intervention for many families living here. I have mums, dads and carers in West Derby who cannot afford to put food on their family’s table, and I wanted to provide this opportunity for them to sit down together as a family in a restaurant setting and eat a meal together, in dignity, for free."
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The Scouse Kitchen, which opened inside St Cecilia's Junior School in Tuebrook on Wednesday, was inspired by the wartime model of social eating, and also by Professor Bryce Evans at Liverpool Hope University, who believes communal dining could replace foodbanks in tackling food poverty in the UK.
The kitchen was open only to St Cecilia's pupils and their families throughout its pilot run - but may be opened up to the wider community if it is successful.
LFC legend Robbie, who funded the trial, said: “The community kitchen idea is inspiring, and I am proud to be part of it. Too many families in Liverpool and across the UK are really struggling to put food on the table and that is completely unacceptable in this day and age. Food pantries and community kitchens provide dignity as well as food to those who are struggling, and I am humbled to be able to help.”
Ian, who is also the co-founder of Fans Supporting Foodbanks, a joint initiative between Liverpool and Everton supporters to tackle food poverty, said: “We know that food poverty causes endless problems for children, affecting their educational attainment and life chances and leading to poor health, reduced life expectancy, malnutrition and obesity.
“Food poverty also has a huge impact on human dignity and social cohesion in our polarised nation of food banks next to investment banks. Too many of our people experience despair and humiliation every day and my aim with this project is to provide a safe space in which West Derby families can eat together in dignity.
"Social eating, such as we are trialling in the Scouse Kitchen, is an important step forward in how communities respond to hunger. It has none of the stigma too often associated with foodbanks and gives families an opportunity to eat together around a table. Dignity is key and we believe this model of social eating will provide that."
Kirsty Riley, school business manager at St Cecilia's Junior School, said: "When we were approached to host the pilot of Scouse Kitchen we were more than happy to be involved as it is a wonderful way to help support our pupils and their families, especially in such difficult times. Scouse Kitchen offers our children the opportunity to sit and eat with their families, friends and others within the local community bringing everyone together to enjoy a social experience.
"Offering a hot and nutritious meal here at school enables parents to prioritise expenditure on other essentials at home, for example heating to keep their homes warm. We are also hoping that the project will help to overcome the stigma around food banks and encourages families to accept support."
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